Course Objectives

EL115 - Gaming and Simulation in Online Learning

This course will provide you with strategies and techniques to immerse students in an interactive environment that will incorporate gaming and simulations to introduce, engage, and reinforce online learning. This course will begin with definitions of gaming and simulations as a tool for online learning and will provide guidance to evaluate, implement, and assess the effectiveness of games.


Module 1: Gaming and Simulation Overview

  • Describe the role of gaming and simulations in online learning.
  • Compare and contrast learning and entertainment.
  • Identify the role of gaming in the eLearning environment.
  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of gaming.
  • Recognize the challenges to implementing games.

Module 2: Analyzing Games and Simulations

  • Recognize the multidisciplinary aspects of gaming and simulations.
  • Identify the methods used to address the varied ability levels in online learning.
  • Compare software tools or content used with games and simulations.
  • Describe the link between design and implementation.
  • Explain why gaming technology can be regarded as social presence technology.

Module 3: Implementation of Gaming and Simulations in the Learning Environment

  • Identify guidelines for implementing gaming into the learning environment.
  • Explain how the design of gaming techniques can produce a highly innovative learning environment.
  • Explore the characteristics of free game development software.
  • Explain the pros and cons of motivating students in an eLearning environment with games and simulations.
  • Compare and contrast competitive and cooperative game models.

Module 4: Assessing Student Learning

  • Explain the need for assessing the effectiveness of gaming and simulations.
  • Recognize the types of feedback learners and instructors receive from assessments.
  • Identify the challenges to assessments.
  • Describe the three main theoretical models in Evidence-Centered Design.
  • Examine tools used to analyze data from interactive games.
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